India has re-initiated discussions with several member countries of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar listed as a global terrorist even as New Delhi continues to explore various options to beat the Chinese ‘technical hold’. This move comes just days after China blocked New Delhi’s attempt to get Azhar listed by 1,267 Sanctions Committee.
“We are examining all options and also consulting with the other co-sponsors,” Government sources said on Friday. The consultation process with go simultaneously with India’s effort to convince China to support its bid to get Azhar banned for masterminding terror attacks in India. The sources added that India has not set any time frame for making a fresh start in getting Azhar designated as by the UN.
India had reacted sharply to China’s resistance to its proposal at the UN on December 30, saying its decision reflected double standards in the fight against terrorism. “We had expected China would have been more understanding of the danger posed to all by terrorism and would join India and others in fighting the common challenge of terrorism. On our part, we will continue to push forward with resolute determination through the use of all options available with us to bring perpetrators of terrorist violence to justice,” India had said in a statement.
MoS for Ministry of External Affairs MJ Akbar had said that China should hear the “voice of the world” in dealing with terror and hoped it would be able to persuade the country to understand the “depth and evil” of the menace. However, the other MoS, Gen (Retd) VK Singh said on Wednesday that despite the constant setback from the Chinese side India will continue to expand its broad range of ties with China even as the two countries seek common ground on concerns like Azhar.
China’s “technical hold” on India’s move on Azhar expired on December 31 and India or any other UNSC member country has to now make a fresh listing request for the terrorist to be banned by the global body. China is the only member of the 15-nation UNSC Sanctions Committee to have opposed India’s application. 14 out of 15 countries are supporting India’s application on this. UNSC listing would lead to asset freeze and travel ban on Azhar by countries including Pakistan. China had dismissed India’s criticism, saying it had adopted a “just, objective and professional” attitude in deciding the issue.